UCLA will have experience working in its favor for its shortened Pac-12 season, despite many of its players seeing limited action as a starter in 2019.
Nine of the Bruins’ projected starters participated in 11 or more games last season. Fall camp is providing an opportunity for UCLA to get the first-team defense settled in with its new responsibilities.
Junior defensive back Stephan Blaylock and senior defensive end Osa Odighuzuwa played in all 12 games last season.
Blaylock led the team with 86 total tackles and two forced fumbles. Senior Quentin Lake played in just four games last year due to injury and will be expected to help replace Darnay Holmes, who is now with the New York Giants.
Odighuzuwa had the option to opt out, but wouldn’t have felt comfortable with that decision.
“I didn’t want to go out on an opt-out,” Odighuzuwa said. “Being able to play was the most important thing and I wanted to increase my (NFL) draft stock. … I just stayed in shape for every possible outcome.”
Odighizuwa spent part of the offseason working out and breaking down film with his brother Owamagbe Odighizuwa, a former Bruin and NFL player.
Defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro’s squad allowed 145.5 rushing yards and 310.8 passing yards per game last season, numbers that must improve in order to contend in the Pac-12.
“We have a lot of guys that have game-time experience, so it’s good to know they will be on the left and right of us,” defensive tackle Tyler Manoa said. “We have to know the run schemes and get to the quarterback.”
Defensive line coach Johnny Nansen joined the Bruins in March after six years at USC.
“I love his energy,” Manoa said about his new position coach, who was an assistant head coach and defensive run game coordinator for the Trojans. “He encourages us and pushes us to our limit every day.”
Senior linebacker Leni Toailoa will take over a leadership role with Bo Calvert, who missed all but one game last year due to academic suspension, as the Bruins look to fill the void left by Josh Woods, Krys Barnes, Keisean Lucier-South and Lokeni Toailoa.
“We have some guys who have been here for a long time,” Odighuzuwa said. “Leni and Bo are taking charge and leading the group.”
The Bruins open the season Nov. 7 at Colorado.
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